Vic laughs. “Can you believe I actually offered this year?”
“Were you drunk?”
He holds his finger and thumb together. “Little bit.”
The door to the pub opens, but instead of Hailey or Charlotte, it’s Sean that comes out. Since he’s Vic’s husband, I guess I shouldn’t be all that surprised that he’s here as well.
“Hey, Pete.” Sean smiles widely at me, eyes full of a mixture of amusement and mischief.
I glance between the two of them, suddenly feeling like I’m missing something. “Sean.” I nod in greeting. “Didn’t expect to see either of you this morning, let alone both of you.”
He shrugs. “Vic offered to help Hailey with their Christmas decorations, and I thought I’d tag along.” He gestures at the two trees I’ve brought. “I can give you a hand to unload if you like?”
Even though both trees are bigger than your average Christmas tree, I don’t necessarily need any help getting them down. I’ve perfected my technique over the years. But I do want to find out what’s making Sean act like he has a secret.
One that concerns me.
Not that I have any fucking clue what that could be about.
“That’d be great, thanks,” I say instead, and get out to join them.
“I’ll go check with Hailey to see where she wants them.” Vic disappears inside, leaving me alone with Sean.
I’ve known Sean a good few years, so I have zero hesitation in getting right to the point. “What’s going on?”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“Bollocks.” I point to his face where he’s now grinning at me. “You’re not even trying to hide it.”
“I’m just excited to see the trees all decorated.”
A bark of laughter escapes me, because I’ve never heard such utter fucking shite. “Right.”
He rubs his hands. “Come on, let’s get this done. I’m getting cold out here.”
Now I know he’s up to something because Sean is a national park ranger, used to being out in all weather. But whatever it is, I let him keep his secrets. No doubt I’ll find out soon enough anyway, because neither of them can keep quiet for long. Besides, I know just who to ask if they won’t spill. “You know I’m just going to ask Hailey, right?”
“About what?”
I raise an eyebrow and Sean laughs. “You’re no fun, Pete.”
“So I’ve been told.” I don’t mean it to come out as serious as it does, and his expression immediately sobers.
“Fuck, I’m just kidding,” he says quickly and grips my shoulder. “You know that, right?”
“Yeah.” I rub a hand over the stubble that’s in danger of venturing into beard territory. “Ignore me. Clearly, I need more coffee this morning.” Before he can ask me anything else, I gesture to the back of the lorry. “Let’s get these off, shall we?”
Between the two of us, it doesn’t take long to get both trees unloaded.
I follow Sean back into the pub, since Vic has yet to return with further instructions.
We find him sat at the bar, drinking what looks like a mug of tea and chatting with Hailey.
I raise an eyebrow when they both look our way. “Thought you came in to ask about tree location.”
Hailey smirks. “Is that the excuse you gave?”
Vic grins and shrugs. “Slipped my mind.”
